Caring for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s? Consider Asking for Help with Home Care in Seattle

Caring for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s? Consider Asking for Help with Home Care in Seattle
By Larry Chandler

The latest estimates show that over 15 million people offer care to at least one relative that suffers from this crippling condition. As the number of Alzheimer’s patients grows there is a need for people to understand more about the condition and get a better feel for various home care options.

Hardship on Families
Statistics show that families are providing literally billions of hours in service to care for their loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s. Most of this time is being devoted without pay and the majority of people state that caring for a loved one with the disease creates quite a bit of stress in their own lives. Some people even report feeling depressed due to their constant outpouring of care. These statistics are one reason why doctors and other professionals feel it is so important to bring awareness about the disease to light to offer help for the families.

Harsh Reality
Among the primary causes for death in the United States, Alzheimer’s ranks at number six. However, when compared to other leading causes, Alzheimer’s is the only one that cannot be slowed down, cured or even prevented. This is one reason why much of the discussion about this condition revolves around home care.

Since most families understand the finality of Alzheimer’s most people would prefer to provide elder care to their loved ones at their own home where they can be kept comfortable.

Getting Outside Help
These glaring facts are the main reasons why many families contact organizations that specialize in offering in home care of elderly patients. Too many times people think of a highly skilled and expensive nurse, when the idea of home care is mentioned. However, there are many other ways in which an outside agency can help families care for their loved ones that do not involve specialized medical procedures. For instance, home care agents can help a family arrange a bedroom in order to provide plenty of space, keeping the room personal and inviting. Home care agents can also provide ideas and plans for designing a garden or outdoor area that works well with Alzheimer’s patients. The key for an outside space is to have level walking areas that are free of any hazards. It is also a good idea to lay out a specific walking trail that has obvious cues for staying on track and getting back to the home.

Alzheimer’s home care counselors at Andelcare are available to talk with you and your family about all of your care needs. Andelcare is a home care agency providing Alzheimer’s Home Care in Seattle and the surrounding communities. Call us at 888-788-3051 for more information.